The First Copy of Your Marriage God’s Way — A Special Moment With My Dad

Every book has a story behind it, but Your Marriage God’s Way carries an especially personal one for my family and me. Writing this book required early mornings, late nights, and countless hours of prayer—and behind every moment stood my wife, Katie, and our children, who supported and sacrificed so I could complete what God called me to write.

One of the most meaningful moments of this entire journey came when I placed the very first copy into my dad’s hands.

Opening the First Copy as a Family

We opened the first printed copy of Your Marriage God’s Way together as a family. Katie and our children have given up much during the writing process—many early mornings and late evenings spent studying, outlining, and teaching. Their encouragement has been a constant reminder of God’s grace in our home.

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Presenting the First Copy to My Dad

My dad, John LaPierre, has battled Alzheimer’s disease for years. One of my prayers during the writing process was that I would finish the book in time to present him with a copy while he could still appreciate it. The Lord graciously answered that prayer.

On August 7, 2016, during the morning worship service at Woodland Christian Church, I was able to hand him the first copy of the book. I read the dedication aloud, placed the book into his hands, and thanked God for allowing us to share that moment with our church family.

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Dedication From Your Marriage God’s Way

Dedication

Your Marriage God’s Way is dedicated to my father, John LaPierre.

Dear Dad,

Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be a loving, dedicated husband and a strong spiritual leader. Thank you for your love and commitment to Katie, our children, and me. Thank you for the way you have courageously handled the trials you’ve faced.

After I became a Christian, my greatest desire was for you and Mom to come to know Christ as well. That I would be privileged enough to baptize the two of you and have you serve as a deacon at the church I pastor has shown me that God truly “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).

To see how the gospel transformed you has strengthened my faith and been one of the greatest joys of my life. You are a humble, gentle servant, and I would feel blessed to be more like you.

I love you so much.

Your son,
Scott

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Acknowledgments From the Book

Acknowledgments

First, I want to thank the wonderful congregation at Woodland Christian Church. Your hunger for Scripture encourages me in my study each week. There are few blessings greater for a pastor than knowing he can stand behind the pulpit and boldly proclaim God’s Word to saints who love the truth.

Second, I want to thank Kandie Schmitz, David Devine, Lauren Cash, and Dr. Terrence O’Hare for proofreading Your Marriage God’s Way. Your thoughts and suggestions were invaluable.

I could not ask for a more wonderful woman to have by my side through this life. Katie, thank you for all the ways you help me, including being a wife who makes it easier to obey God’s commands for husbands. You have all of my heart, and I am more in love with you now than I have ever been.

Finally, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the true and greater subject of this book. Every husband should strive to be to his bride what Christ is to the church, and every wife should strive to be to her husband what the church should be to Christ.

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Why This Moment Matters for Marriage Ministry

This book—and this memory—remind me why I am passionate about strengthening marriages with God’s Word. Marriage is not just a relationship between two people; it is a living picture of Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:22–33). My prayer is that Your Marriage God’s Way helps couples, families, and churches embrace the beauty of God’s design.

If your church desires a Bible-based marriage conference or resources for couples, I would be honored to partner with you.